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"In the likeness of Melchizedek..."

Text: Hebrews 7:15

STRUGGLING TO HARMONIZE THE SCRIPTURES

One of the cardinal rules of interpretation of the Bible is “the harmony of the Scriptures”. At no time must one passage be made to clash with another text! One or both interpretations would most likely be in error. The author of Hebrews did not shy away from attempting to tackle this difficult text.

“For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of
which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek,
there arises another priest, who has come, not according
to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to
the power of an endless life.”
Hebrews 7:14-16

1. An honest study of the Scriptures

a) Jesus did come from the tribe of Judah.

b) The law of Moses made no provision for anyone from Judah to officiate at the altar.

c) No one from Judah ever became a priest.

2. A puzzling problem

a) The Scriptures made reference to Melchizedek.

b) He was a priest of another order (not mentioned in the law of Moses).

3. The solution offered

a) The law was limited.

b) It is described as “the law of fleshly commandment”.

i) This does not mean it had no value and no authority.

ii) It simply means that the law did not regulate everything.

c) The law of Moses cannot regulate “the power of an endless life”.

i) The law can regulate man (flesh) but not that which is Divine.

ii) Jesus has the “the power of endless life” (Hence the law cannot control the Divine right of Jesus to function as High Priest).